Bush Secretly Visits Iraq...Again

UNBEKNOWNST to the Iraqi prime minister, PRESIDENT BUSH travels to Baghdad under the cover of secrecy. This is the second time Bush has visited Iraq, the first trip happening on Thanksgiving in 2003.

I'm not sure as to whether Prime Minister al-Maliki feels flattered or insulted by Bush's appearance. If I were trying to build a perception of autonomy from the occupying Americans, this secret trip undermines this, especially if I were not aware of Bush's visit until 5 minutes before I met with him. Then again, I could be flattered by the presence of the person who caused the fall of Saddam and subsequent chaotic governmental environment in Iraq.

Bush will spend all of 5 hours in Iraq, where he will meet with the prime minister and his cabinet officers. He will probably visit some American troops too. It is rather clear that he will not step one foot outside of the Disney World Arab cocoon that is the Green Zone.